Natural Elements, NRCan's Monthly Newsletter

Energy Efficiency Act Modernized and Improved

EnerGuide Label

Canadians are increasingly making energy-efficient choices, and they’re doing so, in part, because of the development of energy efficiency standards. Canada is a world leader in this field and wears the distinction with pride. In fact, the federal government recently modernized the Energy Efficiency Act to make it even more effective.

What changes have been made?

Since it came into force in 1992, the Energy Efficiency Act has been working chiefly to remove the least energy-efficient products from the Canadian market. As a result, products that use too much energy are becoming less common, which means more energy savings.

The amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act will now allow for standards to be set for products that affect energy use, such as thermostats, as well as for products that use energy themselves. That means that improvements can be made to the well-known EnerGuide label so that it will be even easier for consumers to compare the energy performance of different models of the same kind of product . “Because of these amendments, we will be able to put better information on these labels,” says John Cockburn, Director of the Equipment Division in Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency.

In addition, energy-efficiency standards can be applied to classes of products rather than just to individual products. A particular product class could be defined for example, as one that uses energy in a characteristic way, such as in standby mode.

Why is standby power consumption important?

Home electronics, even when turned off, continue to use electricity to operate various features, such as clocks and timers, which stay ready to be activated.

While the amount of electricity used by standby power is relatively small, it’s often far greater than necessary and can account for as much as 10 percent of an average household’s annual electricity costs. This wasted power can be attributed to inefficient product design.

The new Actwill address this issue. By regulating standby power, enough electricity will be saved to power more than 300,000 Canadian homes each year, reducing the average household’s electricity consumption by three to five percent.

"For more information on standby power, refer to the fact sheet: Standby Power – When "Off" Means "On".

Modernized Act is passed

The amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act were passed by the House of Commons on May 7 and received Royal Assent on May 14. An Order in Council from the government causing it to come into effect is expected soon. “The fact that the bill passed without amendment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved,” says Jeff Wilson, Chief of Parliamentary Affairs at NRCan.

For more information on the modernized Act, visit NRCan’s NewsRoom.